Boyd: It's Clemson

Dave Johnson247-4644

After two false starts and a stunning all-star performance made him one of the top recruiting stories in the country, Phoebus quarterback Tajh Boyd announced Tuesday afternoon he has committed to Clemson.

Boyd revealed his decision during a press conference at the school. He could make it official as early as Feb. 4, the first day recruits can sign their letters-of-intent.

Boyd had always been considered one of the best dual threat quarterbacks in the nation, but interest in him intensified after the U.S. Army All-American Bowl on Jan. 3. Boyd completed 7-of-9 passes for a game-record 188 yards and three touchdowns.

Boyd has expressed a desire for early playing time, and Clemson offers that more than his other finalists. With the departure of starter Cullen Harper, the Tigers return only two quarterbacks from last year's roster.

Willy Korn, a rising sophomore, has spent two injury-plagued years in the program. He started against Georgia Tech this year and completed 26-of-38 passes for the season. Michael Wade, a junior, was the third-string quarterback and took only two snaps all season.

Considering the recovery time he'll need from knee surgery, which is scheduled for today, Boyd might be looking at a redshirt year.

The Tigers finished 7-6 last year as Dabo Swinney replaced Tommy Bowden as head coach in mid-season.

Boyd's recruiting saga began last March 15, when he committed to West Virginia during an unofficial visit. Phoebus teammates Dominik Davenport and Shawne Alston followed, and Boyd actively began recruiting other players to WVU.

But seven months later, saying the team's offense didn't fit his style, Boyd took back his commitment. He also said West Virginia was no longer in the running.

On Nov. 1, less than three weeks after rejecting WVU, Boyd committed to Tennessee during his official visit. Coach Phillip Fulmer's job was reportedly on the line at that point, but Boyd said he was assured by both Fulmer and Vols athletic director Mike Hamilton there would be no change.

Two days later, Fulmer was fired. A month after that, Fulmer's replacement, Lane Kiffin, told Boyd he would not be a good fit for the Vols' pro-style offensive system. So Boyd opened the recruiting again.

He took official visits to Ohio State and Oregon in December. He then visited Clemson on the weekend of Jan 16-17.